Icon bar display for video editing system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are provided for editing video sequences. The method includes the steps of providing a display with a plurality of audio/visual sequences depicted on the display where each audio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio visual sequences is displayed as a timeline parallel to a first axis and where each position along the timeline corresponds to a temporal location of audio/visual information within the audio/visual sequence and where the plurality of audio/visual sequences overlap along the first axis, providing a scrubhead line that extends across the plurality of timelines and that is adapted to be moved relative to the timelines of the plurality of audio/visual sequences and simultaneously displaying audio/visual information from each of the plurality of audio/visual sequences within a respective window of the audio/visual sequences where the displayed information corresponds to a location of the scrubhead line along the respective timeline of the plurality of audio/visual sequences.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to video editing and moreparticularly to computer based systems for editing video, audio andmetadata.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer based systems for editing and composing audio visual work haveexisted for over a decade. Recent systems convert audio visual signalsfrom a diverse set of external sources such as camcorders, VCRs, DVDs,MPEG streams, digital satellite signals, streaming web video etc. intospecific digital formats to save onto mass storage devices, such as harddisks, in anticipation of further processing.

Analog video signals are received by the computer for conversion oneimage (i.e. frame) at a time at various rates. For example, standardNTSC television video comes, in at a rate of 29.97 frames per second.Other standards support different frame rates as well as different framesizes. Each one of these frames is converted into a digitalrepresentation of the frame and stored in a file containing a timesequential group of frames (video sequence or clip). A video sequencecan be identified by the particular file name in which it is held or viasome additional descriptive information (metadata). Metadata can be anydata which relates to the individual frames in an audio-video sequenceor the entire sequence itself. For example, the original “tape name”,comments, location information, even global positioning system data etc.can be stored with the resultant video sequence and used to helporganize and make future editing decisions. A video editor may be givinga metadata reference to identify some particular footage useful for aspecific program. Metadata can be embedded with the audio video framesproviding additional information. Frame accurate “time codes” can beassociated with individual frames within a clip to precisely identifythe point where an event takes place. For example, tape name:SuperbowlXX, timecode 00:12:41:15 can be used to identify the exactpoint in the video clip where the kick off in Superbowl 20 occurs. SeeFIG. 1.

The video editor relies on visual, audio and metadata cues during theediting process to identify the exact points in time to make editingdecisions. These decisions include trimming, deleting, positioning,adding effects, overlaying graphics, incorporating sound effects, etc.into the resultant video.

A common method used to help identify clips employs small referencepictures (or picture icons, aka picons) from the video. However, sinceNorth American television transmits a standard definition video signalat a rate of almost 30 frames every second, even short video clip ofseveral seconds may contain 100s of frames. Clips that are severalminutes in duration will contain 1000s of frames. In order to physicallyfit these pictorial frame representations within a clip to be presentedon a computer display, only a small subset of the actual frames areshown. The example in FIG. 2 shows a 3 second clip consisting of 900actual frames represented by only 6 frames (i.e. only one out of 150frames are used). Typically, the user interface for video editingutilizes computer displays to represent media and their relativetemporal positions within a timeline metaphor. Clips can be placed in asequential fashion from left (earlier in time) to right (later in time)representing the flow of the particular story being told. For example,the following parts of the video story will typically be placedsequentially from left to right respectively on a timeline: Title,Introduction, Scenes 1, 2, 3 . . . N, Ending, and Credits. See FIG. 3.Note that spaces can also be present between clips. These spaces aretypically filled with black video frames.

FIG. 3 represents a single track timeline where clips are simplyarranged in tandem sequential order on the horizontal or X axis.

Current state of the art computer editing systems employ what iscommonly known as a Preview window to provide feedback to the operatorduring the editing process. The Preview window displays the frame ofvideo at the point of where the Scrubhead is located. Note that typicalediting systems utilize a combined Scrubhead/Playhead control whichserves a dual role; displaying the current position of the timelineduring playback and the current position of the timeline for editing.Since we are describing editing systems which allow editing duringplayback, we shall split up these two functionalities such that theScrubhead shall describe the current edit position while the Playheadshall describe the current point in time on the timeline where video isbeing output (or played) from the video editing system. In FIG. 3, ifthe Scrubhead is at position x, the Preview window will display a singleframe from the Intro clip referenced at time=x. Similarly, if theScrubhead is at position y, the Preview window will display a singleframe from the Scene 2 clip. Typically, Preview windows are separatewindows on the computer display interface. They are effective inproviding single point feedback especially on single track timelines.

Modern video editing systems support multiple tracks consisting ofvideo, audio, graphics, titles, effects etc. In a multi-track timelineparadigm, vertical or Y axis is used to represent layers of video,audio, graphics, titles, effects etc. clips. See FIG. 4.

In a multi-track timeline, different clips can be played at the samepoint in time using layering effects. For example, these effects includetransitions, picture in picture, transparency, overlays etc. In FIG. 4,at time=a, video clip X may be transitioning to video clip Y. Commontransitions include wipes, fades or complex 3D effects. At time=b, titleA is placed in front of (i.e. overlaid) on top of video clip Y. Attime=c, graphics A is placed in front of video clip Z. These are simpleexamples of the many overlay possibilities in a multi-track timeline. Inaddition to the visual clips demonstrated in FIG. 4, audio clips,metadata clips as well as virtual placeholder clips can be combined in asuch a similar fashion.

Again, a Preview window is utilized to provide feedback to the operatorin a multi-track timeline. However, since there can be multiple clips atany one point in time, the Preview window provides feedback consistingof the combined output. Using the example in FIG. 4, at time=a, thePreview window will provide a visual frame consisting of both video clipX and video clip Y part way through a transition. At time=b, the Previewwindow will display Title A overlaid on top of video clip Y. At time=c,the Preview window will display graphics A in front of video clip Z.FIG. 5 shows the Preview window at the above three points in time.

Although effective in providing “combined” feedback consisting of thesum of all the layers at a point in time, the Preview window does notprovide precise information at each particular layer of the composite.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide betterfeedback for each individual layer at any single point in time on atimeline used in the field of video editing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus are provided for editing video sequences. Themethod includes the steps of providing a display with a plurality ofaudio/visual sequences depicted on the display where each audio/visualsequence of the plurality of audio visual sequences is displayed as atimeline parallel to a first axis and where each position along thetimeline corresponds to a temporal location of audio/visual informationwithin the audio/visual sequence and where the plurality of audio/visualsequences overlap along the first axis, providing a scrubhead line thatextends across the plurality of timelines and that is adapted to bemoved relative to the timelines of the plurality of audio/visualsequences and simultaneously displaying audio/visual information fromeach of the plurality of audio/visual sequences within a respectivewindow of the audio/visual sequences where the displayed informationcorresponds to a location of the scrubhead line along the respectivetimeline of the plurality of audio/visual sequences.

The method may further include the steps of displaying time rectanglesof a video sequences on a timeline (a.k.a. video clips) and placingicons, corresponding to a specific time, adjacent to two or more trackson the timeline. These icons are physically aligned in such a way (e.g.in a BAR fashion) to make easy visual association with each media layeron the timeline. Each icon represents information pertaining to aspecific time on the timeline and can include: the actual media (video,audio, graphics or titles) or metadata (information about the media).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a timecode that may be used by the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 2 is a video clip represented by 6 small picons on a computerdisplay that may be used by the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 3 is a single track timeline metaphor used in video editing thatmay be used by the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 4 is a multi-track timeline metaphor used in video editing that maybe used by the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 5 are preview window displays at three different points in time(from left to right): time=a, horizontal wipe transition between videoclip CX and video clip Y; time=b, title A overlaid on top of video Y;time=c, graphics A (ying-yang symbol in front of video clip Z) that maybe used by the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of typical video editing system in accordancewith an illustrated embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a typical timeline window on a Video Editing System Monitor ofthe system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a typical method of identifying clips on a timeline using oneor more individual frames of actual media on each clip used by thesystem of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a preview window display at a Scrubhead location within thesystem of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a single track of a timeline in which cursor controlled videoframe display of the system of FIG. 6 shows the display exact frameinformation at Scrubhead location;

FIG. 11 is a single track of a timeline in which the cursor controlledaudio frame display of the system of FIG. 6 shows the exact frameinformation at Scrubhead location.

FIG. 12 is a single track of a timeline of the system of FIG. 6 in whichthe graphics do not change;

FIG. 13 is a single track of a timeline of a cursor controlled stilltitle display of the system of FIG. 6 using picture ICON to displayexact text information at Scrubhead location;

FIG. 14 is a single track of ICON BAR of the system of FIG. 6 showing astatic place holder;

FIG. 15 is a single track of the ICON BAR of the system of FIG. 6showing metadata displayed in the ICON BAR.

FIG. 16 is an ICON BAR of the system of FIG. 6 that shows the exactframe at a single point in time for each timeline layer at the Scrubheadlocation to provide feedback for simultaneous editing during playback;

FIG. 17 is a screen shot of an embodiment of an ICON bar video editinginterface of the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 18 a shows a single frame within a composite window used by thesystem of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 18 b shows the simultaneous display of frames from differenttimelines displayed by the system of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a video editing system 10 for editingaudio/visual sequences, shown generally in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. The video editing system 10 may be used for editingvideo sequences and/or video sequences. As used herein, an edited videois a composite of a number of source audio/visual sequences that followsa predetermined storyline.

Included within the video editing system is a Central Processing Unit(CPU) 12 such as Intel's Pentium family, AMD's Athlon, Apples G5 etc.running under an appropriate operating system such as Microsoft Windows,Linux, or Apple's OS X and application software for performing theediting steps of the inventive process. Associated with the CPU is amass memory storage device (i.e. hard drive) 14 and Random Access Memory(RAM) 16 for long and short term storage of audio and video source files(clips), interim audio visual results, and the final edited outputfiles. A display monitor (e.g. cathode ray tube or liquid crystaldisplay) 18 is provided for the visual presentation of video clips andas a visual aide in the assembly and editing of the final product. Akeyboard 20 and mouse 22 are used for manipulation and control of theediting process.

Also included within the video editing system is a video captureinterface 24 for converting signals from various video sources 26 suchas camcorders, video tape recorders, live video feeds, digital videodisc players etc. into an appropriate digital format for storage withinthe mass storage 14 and RAM 16. As each file or clip is captured andstored, it is given an appropriate name (e.g. clip1, clip2, superbowl1,etc.).

Data files containing an audiovisual representation of the video signalmay be stored under any appropriate format know to the industry. Someexample file formats are: Audio Visual Interleave (AVI), Quick TimeMovie by Apple, Motion Pictures Expert Group (MPEG), MXF (MaterialsExchange Format) etc. Audio information (without video) may also beobtained from the audio/video source through the capture interface.Audio information may be stored under any appropriate file type known tothe industry (e.g. mp3, wav etc.). Similarly, video information (withoutaudio) may be obtained through the video capture board and stored as asequence of video frames (a video sequence). Other appropriate video,image, audio and graphics formats under which source files may becreated include; DIB, bitmap file format (BMP) by Microsoft, FLI/FLC byAutodesk, GIF by CompuServe, PCX by Xsoft, PCT by Apple, Photo CD byKodak, TGA by TrueVision, TIF by Aldus, JPG by Joint PhotographicExperts Group. As used herein, files (of whatever type) will be referredto as clips.

Digital video segments and audio files may also be loaded for editingthrough standard input/output (I/O) ports 28. I/O ports may interfacewith any appropriate information source (e.g. floppy disk drives, PCMCIAmemory cards, SCSI devices, USB keys, network connections, WIFI etc.).These I/O ports may also be used as an output for finished audiovisualwork to video recipients.

Following entry of the appropriate source files, an operator (not shown)of the video editing system may access and view the video files on thedisplay monitor in a number of formats. In one format, an area of thescreen known as the timeline may be dedicated to the display of videosegments. The operator may view the clip at normal broadcast videospeeds (i.e. 29.97 frames per second NTSC, 25 frames per second PAL orat an appropriate HD frame rate) or at various multimedia speeds (e.g.12 fps, 15 fps etc.). Alternatively, the operator may view the clip oneframe at a time, stepping in a either a forward or backwards in timedirection, under menu, keyboard or mouse control. As the operator viewsthe clip a frame number (or Timecode) is displayed corresponding to theframe being displayed. Other data about the clip, known in general asmetadata, can also be displayed. Examples of metadata include: textualdescriptions, closed captions, creation information, unique IDs or anynumber of information associated with the video clip or the specificvideo frame being displayed. Upon viewing the individual frames of avideo clip, the operator may perform editing operations such as deletingunwanted frames, adding new frames from the current or other clips,compositing multiple layers of video or graphics on top of the currentclip, setting transition points from one clip to another or any numberof other video editing operations. These editing operations can beperformed on a timeline interface used to temporally as well asspatially lay out multiple video/audio/graphics clips. Editing changescan be performed while playback is stopped or during the playback of theclip(s) or entire timeline involved.

To create an edited video, various procedures can be applied. Onetypical strategy is to pre-sequence the main video clips by creating arough storyboard. In this strategy, the operator gathers the requiredsource clips (e.g. video clips, audio clips, graphics clips, title clipsetc.) and drags the main clips into a temporal sequence in a “bin” or“gallery” window. This sequence of clips can then be sent to the maintimeline window in the same temporal order for fine tuning andcompositing of multiple audio/visual layers.

The timeline is the main interface where various types of clips (video,audio, graphics, titles, metadata, virtual etc.—these and other cliptypes can be collectively known as media clips) can be edited. As thename implies, the timeline can sequence clips in temporal order. Infact, some timelines only support a single track where clips must beplaced in sequential (temporal) order. Modern timelines add anotherdimension of flexibility allowing the user to control the layers andalign multiple clips at the same temporal point. This is achieved byadding multiple tracks in layers where various clips of differing mediatypes can be placed (FIG. 7). A typical timeline uses the x-axis as atime scale where the right side represents a point later in time and they-axis as a compositing mechanism where clips higher up are compositedon top of the main clips (note that the order of the composited clipsmay be inverted depending on the paradigm used in the editinginterface). As stated earlier in the background section, currentmechanisms to provide synchronized temporal feedback of composited clipson a timeline have relied on an overall Preview window.

This Preview window either shows a) a frame from a singular clip at aparticular point in time or b) the composite result from all the clipsat a particular point in time. Typically, a smaller image or icon isextracted from the actual video media and displayed in the Previewwindow providing the editor with the necessary feedback for editing. ThePreview window typically displays the information at the timelineScrubhead. However, it is also common practice to utilize the Previewwindow to display a single frame from an individual clip during editingoperations such as trimming (e.g., see FIG. 18 a).

Under illustrated embodiments of the invention, the ICON BAR provides amethod to visually examine the contents of multiple media clips at aspecific point in time simultaneously (FIG. 16, FIG. 18 b). This is doneby providing multiple icons associated with each individual track of atimeline and updating them in a synchronous manner. Thus an operator canscrub (i.e., move) the Scrubhead until the information in the Icon Bardisplays the desired feedback for all media on the timeline at theScrubhead location. For example, an editor may want to cut away sectionsof a production where the audio is silent and video just shows black. Todo this, the operator simply scrubs the Scrubhead across the timelineuntil no audio and blank (e.g. black) video is displayed in theindividual icons of the Icon Bar. As the operator continues to scrub,the beginning and ending time of the blank section can be identified andmarked for deletion. The edited clips may be moved to the right and leftto correct timing deficiencies created by the editing.

The Icon Bar can display different types of information depending on theclip and where it intersects the Scrubhead. Samples of information thatthe ICON BAR can display include picture icons, scaled graphics, audiowave form and metadata.

The point in time of interest is controlled by the user via thekeyboard, mouse or other selection device and is displayed on thecomputer's monitor by a timeline cursor (also known as the Scrubhead).The act of moving this Scrubhead forward or backwards in time is knownas scrubbing the timeline. Scrubbing can be utilized to select differentpoints in time for the purposes of editing or playback. For example, anoperator can remove all material before time 00:00:02:00 by performingthe following two steps: 1) moving the Scrubhead to this point in timeand invoking the slice operation to cut all the media on the timeline atthis precise point and 2) selecting all clips and sliced portions ofclips prior to 00:00:02:00 and performing the delete operation. In thissimplified example, we used a particular point in time (i.e.00:00:02:00) as a reference for deleting clips on the multiple layers ofa timeline. However, it is very common for a video editor to determinethe exact cut point based on the actual material in each media clip.

In this embodiment of the invention, the operator uses the mouse toselect the timeline's Scrubhead and proceeds to drag it left or right,increasing or decreasing the point in time (scrubbing) being referenced.The ICON BAR is updated 1) during the actual scrubbing action, providinginteractive feedback to the operator as he moves to different points onthe timeline and 2) when the Scrubhead is placed (or dropped) at aspecific point in time on the timeline. There can be options to displaydifferent information on the ICON BAR. However, the typical informationdisplayed is as follows based on the type of media on the timeline trackwhere the Scrubhead intersects.

For video clips, the corresponding icon on the ICON BAR can be used todisplay a smaller sized image of the frame at the Scrubhead location(FIG. 10). Since video clips are composed of a series of individualimages (or frames), the Scrubhead will intersect a video clip at exactlyone frame at one point in time (i.e. the selected frame). This selectedframe is then read from its storage location (typically on thecomputer's hard drive, a shared drive on the network, in memory, overthe internet etc.) and resized to the appropriate dimensions for displayin the ICON BAR. This resizing is typically done via image processingtechniques under control of the video editing application software.Optionally, the video editing software can allow variable icon sizes tobe displayed as desired by the operator.

For audio clips, the corresponding icon on the ICON BAR can be used todisplay a waveform representation of the audio at the Scrubhead location(FIG. 11). Since audio is typically recorded with over a 1000 samplesfor each frame of video, the waveform drawing is used to provide avisual representation of these samples in a way that is easy tounderstand. The samples of audio used to create the waveform drawingcorrespond to the sound at or around the Scrubhead location in themedia. These samples are read from its storage location (typically onthe computer's hard drive, a shared drive on the network, in memory,over the internet etc.). This drawing is typically done under control ofthe video editing application software. Optionally, the video editingsoftware can allow variable icon sizes and scales to be displayed asdesired by the operator.

For still graphics clips, the corresponding icon on the ICON BAR can beused to display a miniature sized image of the full graphic (FIG. 12).Since still graphics clips consist of a single non-changing imagerepeated through multiple frames of video, this image is used torepresent the entire graphics clip as the Scrubhead moves over it. Thegraphic frame is read from its storage location (typically on thecomputer's hard drive, a shared drive on the network, in memory, overthe internet etc.) and resized to the appropriate dimension for displayin the ICON BAR. This resizing is typically done via image processingtechniques under control of the video editing application software.Optionally, the video editing software can allow variable icon sizes tobe displayed as desired by the operator.

Title clips can be handled in a similar way to either video clips orgraphics clips based on whether the title is stationary or dynamic.Stationary title clips do not change from one video frame to another andthus are similar to still graphics (FIG. 13). On the other hand, titlescan have motion (e.g. rolls or crawls) and thus change from frame toframe. These titles can be handled in a similar way as motion videoclips (FIG. 10).

In either case, the title frame is read from its storage location(typically on the computer's hard drive, a shared drive on the network,in memory, over the internet etc.) and resized to the appropriatedimension for display in the ICON BAR. This resizing is typically donevia image processing techniques under control of the video editingapplication software. Optionally, the video editing software can allowvariable icon sizes to be displayed as desired by the operator.

Virtual clips are placeholders for media that is not presently available(FIG. 14). For example, the virtual clip can represent material that hasnot yet been acquired or is being stored off line. In some cases,virtual clips can contain essential metadata for media which is notavailable. A common example of when this may happen is when the media isarchived for long term storage and video project file is opened by thevideo editor. In this case, the video project file contains informationabout the actual media (e.g. Tape=Superbowl, Scene=kickoff, day=Jan. 23,20XX, etc.). The editor can use this information to acquire theappropriate material from the archives or even use the metadata asreference for editing. For virtual clips, the actual image of the mediamay or may not be available. A reference image may be stored torepresent the missing media or a placeholder image may be used instead.

In addition to the Virtual Clip case above, metadata can also bedisplayed on the EYECON Bar for all other clip types (FIG. 15).

Notice that all the interactions described thus far do not preclude thenotion of editing during the actual playback of the timeline. In fact,the EYECON Bar is designed to allow much better interactivity (becauseof its multiple simultaneous views) for the user during all phases ofediting including the time when playback is occurring within the PreviewWindow (FIG. 16). While playing back the timeline, the EYECON Bar canoptionally provide feedback at the Playhead (location where the video isplaying at any moment in time) or at the scubhead as described. If theEYECON Bar is set to provide feedback at the Playhead (i.e., thescrubhead and playhead are coincident), the user can perform “on thefly” editing via the computers keyboard or other input device. Forexample, the user can use hit a special key on the keyboard to cut allclips on the timeline at the Playhead location based on feedback fromthe EYECON Bar during timeline playback. Alternatively, the EYECON Barcan provide feedback at a Scrubhead location that is different than theplayhead location while playback is occurring. In this scenario, theScrubhead can be controlled via mouse to select the point of interesttotally independent of the Playhead. This gives rise to severalinteresting scenarios. For example, the operator can start a playbackthat appears on a preview monitor and then proceed to a point later intime to make editing changes before the Playhead arrives. The oppositecan also occur. Adjustments and changes to the program can be made afterthe Playhead passes a certain point in time. The EYECON Bar providesenough simultaneous feedback to facilitate this concept of interactiveediting.

A specific embodiment of novel apparatus for editing video clipsaccording to the present invention have been described for the purposeof illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. Itshould be understood that the implementation of other variations andmodifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparentto one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by thespecific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to coverthe present invention, any and all modifications, variations, orequivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basicunderlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

1. A method of editing video sequences, such method comprising:providing a display with a plurality of audio/visual sequences depictedon the display where each audio/visual sequence of the plurality ofaudio visual sequences is displayed as a timeline parallel to a first,time axis and where each position along the timeline corresponds to atemporal location of audio/visual information within the audio/visualsequence and where the plurality of audio/visual sequences temporallyoverlap along the first axis; providing a line that defines a scrubheadlocation, where the scrubhead line extends across the plurality oftimelines and that is adapted to be moved relative to the timelines ofthe plurality of audio/visual sequences; and simultaneously displayingaudio/visual information from each of the plurality of audio/visualsequences within a respective window of the audio/visual sequences wherethe displayed information corresponds to a location of the scrubheadline along the respective timeline of the plurality of audio/visualsequences wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position on thetimelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead.
 2. Themethod of editing video sequences as in claim 1 further comprisinglocating the respective windows showing the displayed audio/visualinformation within a display area adjacent one end of a respectivetimeline of the plurality of timelines.
 3. The method of editing videosequences as in claim 1 further comprising defining the scrubhead lineas being orthogonal to the first axis.
 4. The method of editing videosequences as in claim 1 further comprising providing a playhead lineorthogonal to the first axis extending across the plurality oftimelines.
 5. The method of editing video sequences as in claim 4further comprising displaying a storyline of the plurality ofaudio/visual sequences in a preview window where the displayed storylineis retrieved from the plurality of audio/video sequences based upon atemporal location of the playhead line.
 6. The method of editing videosequences as in claim 5 wherein the step of displaying the storylinefurther comprising the playhead traversing the timelines whileaudio/visual information is retrieved from a temporal location within anaudio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio/visual sequences thatcorresponds to a location of the playhead.
 7. The method of editingvideo sequences as in claim 6 wherein the step of displaying thestoryline further comprising retrieving audio/visual information from afirst audio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio/visual sequencesfor display in the preview window until the playhead reaches apredetermined temporal location along the timeline of the firstaudio/visual sequence and then retrieving audio/visual information froma second audio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio/visualsequences after the predetermined temporal location.
 8. The method ofediting video sequences as in claim 7 further comprising coupling thescrubhead to the playhead to cause the scrubhead to traverse thetimelines in conjunction with the playhead.
 9. The method of editingvideo sequences as in claim 8 further comprising placing the scrubheadcoincidental with the playhead as the scrubhead and playhead traversethe timelines.
 10. The method of editing video sequences as in claim 9further comprising editing the storyline by moving the playhead alongthe timelines.
 11. The method of editing video sequences as in claim 9further comprising editing the storyline using the scrubhead as theplayhead traverses the timelines.
 12. An apparatus for editing videosequences, such apparatus comprising: means for providing a display witha plurality of audio/visual sequences depicted on the display where eachaudio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio visual sequences isdisplayed as a timeline parallel to a first axis and where each positionalong the timeline corresponds to a temporal location of audio/visualinformation within the audio/visual sequence and where the plurality ofaudio/visual sequences overlap along the first axis; means for providinga line that that defines a scrubhead location, where the scrubhead lineextends across the plurality of timelines and that is adapted to bemoved relative to the timelines of the plurality of audio/visualsequences; and means for simultaneously displaying audio/visualinformation from each of the plurality of audio/visual sequences withina respective window of the audio/visual sequences where the displayedinformation corresponds to a location of the scrubhead line along therespective timeline of the plurality of audio/visual sequences whereinthe scrubhead describes a current edit position on the timelines and aplayhead describes a current point in time on the timelines where videois being output from the video editing system and wherein the scrubheadcan be moved independently of the playhead.
 13. The apparatus forediting video sequences as in claim 12 further comprising means forlocating the respective windows showing the displayed audio/visualinformation within a display area adjacent one end of a respectivetimeline of the plurality of timelines.
 14. The apparatus for editingvideo sequences as in claim 12 further comprising means for defining thescrubhead line as being orthogonal to the first axis.
 15. The apparatusfor editing video sequences as in claim 12 further comprising means forproviding a playhead line orthogonal to the first axis extending acrossthe plurality of timelines.
 16. The apparatus for editing videosequences as in claim 15 further comprising means for displaying astoryline of the plurality of audio/visual sequences in a preview windowwhere the displayed storyline is retrieved from the plurality ofaudio/video sequences based upon a temporal location of the playheadline.
 17. The apparatus for editing video sequences as in claim 16wherein the means for displaying the storyline further comprising meansfor allowing the playhead to traverse the timelines while audio/visualinformation is retrieved from a temporal location within an audio/visualsequence of the plurality of audio/visual sequences that corresponds toa location of the playhead.
 18. The apparatus for editing videosequences as in claim 17 wherein the means for displaying the storylinefurther comprising means for retrieving audio/visual information from afirst audio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio/visual sequencesfor display in the preview window until the playhead reaches apredetermined temporal location along the timeline of the firstaudio/visual sequence and then retrieving audio/visual information froma second audio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio/visualsequences after the first temporal location.
 19. The apparatus forediting video sequences as in claim 18 further comprising means forcoupling the scrubhead to the playhead to cause the scrubhead totraverse the timelines in conjunction with the playhead.
 20. Theapparatus for editing video sequences as in claim 19 further comprisingmeans for placing the scrubhead coincidental with the playhead as thescrubhead and playhead traverse the timelines.
 21. The apparatus forediting video sequences as in claim 20 further comprising means forediting the storyline by moving the playhead along the timelines. 22.The apparatus for editing video sequences as in claim 20 furthercomprising means for editing the storyline using the scrubhead as theplayhead traverses the timelines.
 23. An apparatus for editing videosequences, such apparatus comprising: a display provided with aplurality of audio/visual sequences depicted on the display where eachaudio/visual sequence of the plurality of audio visual sequences isdisplayed as a timeline parallel to a first axis and where each positionalong the timeline corresponds to a temporal location of audio/visualinformation within the audio/visual sequence and where the plurality ofaudio/visual sequences overlap along the first axis; a line that definesa scrubhead location, where the scrubhead line extends across theplurality of timelines and that is adapted to be moved relative to thetimelines of the plurality of audio/visual sequences; and an icon barthat simultaneously displays audio/visual information from each of theplurality of audio/visual sequences within a respective window of theaudio/visual sequences where the displayed information corresponds to alocation of the scrubhead line along the respective timeline of theplurality of audio/visual sequences wherein the scrubhead describes acurrent edit position on the timelines and a playhead describes acurrent point in time on the timelines where video is being output fromthe video editing system and wherein the scrubhead can be movedindependently of the playhead.
 24. A method of editing video sequencescomprising of the following steps: on a monitor displaying a timerectangle with a plurality of temporally overlapping parallel timelines,an icon bar, a scrubhead and a playhead extending across the pluralityof timelines wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position onthe timelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead;representing a first video sequence as a first timeline of the pluralityof timelines; displaying a version of a video frame corresponding to thefirst video sequence within the icon bar at a time indicated by ascrubhead location on the first timeline; representing a second videosequence as a second timeline of the plurality of timelines;simultaneously displaying a media frame from the second media sequencein the icon bar in a manner that is substantially identical to thedisplay of the first video sequence, where the second media sequence isdifferent than the first media sequence and where the displayed mediaframes of the first and second video sequences are selected from asingle point in time among the timelines that is identified by alocation of the scrubhead; and editing the video sequences based uponthe simultaneously displayed media frames within the icon Bar.
 25. Themethod as in claim 24 further comprising using a computer mouse tocontrol the position of the scrubhead on the timeline, thus resulting inupdating of all icons within the icon bar that represent the videosequences at the selected time.
 26. The method as in claim 24 furthercomprising using a computer keyboard to control the position of theScrubhead on the timeline, thus resulting in updating of all icons onthe ICON BAR that represent the media at the selected time.
 27. Themethod as in claim 24 further comprising using a computer cursor controldevice to position the Scrubhead on the timeline, thus resulting inupdating of all icons on the ICON BAR that represent the media at theselected time.
 28. The method as in claim 24 further comprisingoutputting a video program from the video editing system based on theedits made using icon bar feedback.
 29. The method as in claim 24wherein the step of editing the video sequences further comprisessimultaneously playing back the timeline.
 30. A method of editing audiosequences comprising of the following steps: on a monitor displaying atime rectangle with a plurality of temporally overlapping paralleltimelines, an icon bar, a scrubhead and a playhead extending across thetimelines wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position on thetimelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead;representing an audio sequence on a timeline of the plurality oftimelines; displaying a version of an audio frame corresponding to theaudio sequence at the time indicated by the scrubhead location;simultaneously displaying media frames from additional media sequenceson additional timelines of the plurality of timelines where theadditional media sequences are different than the audio sequence but alloriginate from a single point in time; and editing sequences based uponthe simultaneously displayed media frames on the icon bar.
 31. A methodof editing graphics comprising: on a monitor displaying a time rectanglewith a plurality of temporally overlapping parallel timelines, an iconbar, a scrubhead and a playhead extending across the plurality oftimelines wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position on thetimelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead;representing a first graphic sequence as a first timeline of theplurality of timelines; displaying a version of a graphics framecorresponding to the first graphic sequence at the time indicated by theScrubhead location; simultaneously displaying a media frame fromadditional media sequences on additional timelines of the plurality oftimelines and where the additional media sequences are different thanthe first graphic sequence and where the displayed graphic frame anddisplayed media frames are selected from a single point in time amongthe timelines that is identified by a location of the scrubhead; andediting at least one of the graphic sequence and media sequences basedupon the simultaneously displayed audible and media frames on the iconbar.
 32. A method of editing titles comprising: on a monitor displayinga time rectangle with a plurality of temporally overlapping timelines,an icon bar, a scrubhead and a playhead extending across the pluralityof timelines wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position onthe timelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead;representing a title sequence on a timeline of the plurality oftimelines; displaying a version of a title frame corresponding to thetitle sequence at the time indicated by a location of the Scrubhead onthe timeline of the title sequence; simultaneously displaying a mediaframe from additional media sequences on additional timelines of theplurality of timelines, where the additional media sequences aredifferent than the title sequence and where the displayed frames areselected from a single point in time that is identified by a location ofthe scrubhead; and editing the title frame based upon the simultaneouslydisplayed media frames on the icon bar.
 33. A method of editing virtualclips comprising: on a monitor displaying a time rectangle with aplurality of temporally overlapping parallel timelines; representing avirtual clip on a timeline of the plurality of timelines; displaying aversion of a place holder frame corresponding to the virtual clip at thetime indicated by a temporal location of the scrubhead; displaying aline defining a playhead location extending across the plurality oftimelines wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position on thetimelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead;simultaneously displaying a media frame from additional media sequenceson additional timelines of the plurality of timelines, where the virtualclip and additional media sequences are all different and where thedisplayed frames are selected from a single point in time identified bythe scrubhead; and editing the virtual clip based upon thesimultaneously displayed media frames on the icon bar.
 34. A method ofediting media sequences comprising: on a monitor displaying a timerectangle with a plurality of temporally overlapping parallel timelines,an icon bar, a scrubhead and a playhead extending across the pluralityof timelines wherein the scrubhead describes a current edit position onthe timelines and a playhead describes a current point in time on thetimelines where video is being output from the video editing system andwherein the scrubhead can be moved independently of the playhead;representing a clip as a timeline; displaying metadata corresponding tothe clip at the time indicated by a temporal location of the Scrubheadlocation on the timeline of the clip; simultaneously displaying a mediaframe from additional media sequences on additional timelines of theplurality of timelines, where the clip and additional media sequencesare all different and where the displayed metadata and frames areselected from a single point in time among the timelines that isidentified by a location of the scrubhead; and editing the metadata clipbased upon the simultaneously displayed media frames on the icon bar.35. A method of computer editing a plurality of media clips comprising:on a monitor displaying a time rectangle with a plurality of temporallyoverlapping parallel timelines where each timeline represents a mediaclip of the plurality of media clips, an icon bar and a scrubheadextending across the plurality of timelines; simultaneously displaying amedia frame from each of the plurality of media sequences within theicon bar, where the plurality of media sequences are all different andwhere the displayed frames are selected from a single point in timeidentified by a location of the scrubhead; a playhead that extendsacross the plurality of timelines wherein the scrubhead describes acurrent edit position on the timelines and a playhead describes acurrent point in time on the timelines where video is being output fromthe video editing system and wherein the scrubhead can be movedindependently of the playhead; and editing the playback timeline basedupon the simultaneously displayed media frames on the icon bar.
 36. Amethod of editing video sequences, such method comprising: providing adisplay with a plurality of audio/visual sequences depicted on thedisplay and where each audio/visual sequence of the plurality of audiovisual sequences is displayed as a timeline along a first axis and whereeach position along the timeline corresponds to a temporal location ofaudio/visual information within the audio/visual sequence and where theplurality of audio/visual sequences overlap along the first axis;providing a vertical line that defines a scrubhead location, thevertical line adapted to be dragged along a second axis that isorthogonal to the first axis over the timelines of the plurality ofaudio/visual sequences; and simultaneously displaying audio/visualinformation from each of the plurality of audio visual/visual sequenceson the display where the displayed information corresponds to a locationof the vertical line along the audio/visual sequence wherein thescrubhead describes a current edit position on the timelines and aplayhead describes a current point in time on the timelines where videois being output from the video editing system and wherein the scrubheadcan be moved independently of the playhead.